Notes

LITTLE ROCK — ALL-PRO Peterson, Watt unanimous

NEW YORK - Minnesota Vikings 2,000-yard man Adrian Peterson and Houston Texans pass-swatting end J.J. Watt were unanimous choices for The Associated Press All-Pro team announced Saturday.

Peterson, who came within 9 yards of breaking Eric Dickerson’s single season rushing record, and Watt, who led the NFL with 20 1/2 sacks, were selected by all 50 members of a nationwide panel of media members who cover the league.

Peterson is a three-time All-Pro, while Watt represents lots of new blood. He’s among 17 players making their All-Pro debuts.

“Obviously it’s a huge honor, especially for being such a young guy,” said Watt, a second-year pro. “It’s crazy to even think about. It’s very humbling and very motivating. It makes me want to do it again and again.”Peyton Manning made his sixth team, the previous five while quarterbacking Indianapolis. He led Denver to the AFC’s best record, 13-3.

Also chosen for the sixth time was Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez, who this season moved into second place on the career receptions list. San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis made it for the fifth time in his six pro seasons.

The 49ers had the most All-Pros, six: Willis, fellow linebacker NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith, guard Mike Iupati, safety Dashon Goldson and punter Andy Lee.

Seattle was next with running Marshawn Lynch, center Max Unger, cornerback Richard Sherman and safety Earl Thomas. All were selected for the first time.

Sherman was incensed when he didn’t make the Pro Bowl. He was thrilled with the news he made the All-Pro team “because that’s comparing the whole league.”

“That is taking individuals and saying they are the best in the NFL at that position and that’s what I wanted to be,” Sherman said. “The Pro Bowl is taking three from each side, it’s more of a popularity contest. The All-Pro, you’re the best at your position. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fifth-rounder or fourth-rounder or undrafted. If you play the best, you’re All-Pro.”

Denver had three All-Pros: linebacker Von Miller, tackle Ryan Clady and Manning. No other team had more than two. The NFC had 17 players and only 10 made it from the AFC.

CHIEFS Dorsey general manager

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Chiefs must have figured if the Green Bay Packers were playing in the NFC playoffs Saturday night, they were making a wise choice for their next general manager.

The Chiefs announced during the first half of the Packers’ game against the San Francisco 49ers that they had hired longtime Green Bay personnel man John Dorsey to replace Scott Pioli, who was fired after four tumultuous years and a 2-14 finish this past season.

The team announced the hiring on Twitter, but did not make Dorsey, Chiefs Chairman Clark Hunt or Coach Andy Reid available to comment. An introductory news conference was scheduled for Monday.

Hunt did describe his ideal GM candidate in an interview earlier in the week: “First of all, someone who’s a sharp talent evaluator,” he said. “I’d like someone who’s been part of a successful program from a talent standpoint. Someone who’s a good communicator, a good manager, and last but really not least, someone who will work well with Andy.”

Hunt may as well have been describing Dorsey, a linebacker for the Packers in the 1980s.

Dorsey was instrumental in helping build Green Bay into a perennial contender, first as a college scout from 1991-97 and then as director of college scouting from 1997-98 - a period that roughly coincided with Reid’s time as a Packers assistant coach.

Dorsey spent one season with the Seattle Seahawks before returning to Green Bay, where he was director of college scouting from 2000-12 and director of football operations this season.

During that time, the Packers have won six division titles, a conference championship and the 2010 Super Bowl. They’ve also made nine playoff appearances in the past 12 seasons.

Dorsey helped select quarterback Aaron Rodgers with the 24th overall pick in the 2005 draft, and has been a part of several other solid draft choices: linebacker Nick Barnett in 2003, wide receiver Greg Jennings and linebacker A.J. Hawk in 2006, wide receiver Jordy Nelson and tight end Jermichael Finley in 2008, and defensive tackle B.J. Raji in 2010.

Dorsey will report directly to Hunt, just as Pioli and other GMs have in the past. But during a massive overhaul of the Chiefs’ front office, the chairman said he’s altering the organizational structure so Reid also reports directly to him.